UNC Charlotte established the Charlotte Institute for Technology Innovation (now the Charlotte Research Institute) in 2000. The insitute's mission is to foster research partnerships between the university and businesses, including in the areas of bioinformatics, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. To that end, the Institute established and co-sponsored the Charlotte Biotechnology Conference and the Five Ventures Business Innovation Competition, which have been held annually beginning in 2002. The Biotechnology Conference brings together biotechnology, business, and research professionals to highlight regional biotechnology initiatives and investment trends in the Charlotte area. The Five Ventures Business Innovation Competition offers start-up and early stage entrepreneurs an opportunity to improve their strategy and compete against other innovative companies.
From the guide to the Charlotte Biotechnology Conference and Five Ventures Business Innovation Competition Records, 2005-2010, (Special Collections Research Center)
